Kale – Red Russian

Red Russian Kale produces dark green foliage with purple veins. The mature leaves of this cultivar are softer than those of other varieties. It can grow up to 75 cm in height, but can be eaten when the leaves are younger, about a month after planting.

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 1 cm

optimal temperatures of germination: 10 to 30 ºC

time for germination: 5 to 10 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area OR

direct sowing after any risk of frost

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the seedlings if space is available or keep only the most beautiful ones.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 45 to 60 cm

between rows: 60 to 75 cm

Plant height: 45 to 75 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: full sun or light shade

Maturation: 50 days

Specificity:

grows well in pots

consume the leaves by cutting them as soon as they measure 5 cm or harvest the leaves when they are more mature, starting with those located at the base of the plant, as you need them

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±150

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Biennial

Additional information

Weight            5 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Biennial

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Spring, Summer